Fisayo Dele-Bashiru started his first game in three Serie A matches as S.S. Lazio secured a 2-1 victory over U.S. Sassuolo Calcio.
Lazio took an early lead in the second minute through Daniel Maldini, the son of Italian football legend Paolo Maldini.
Sassuolo responded in the 35th minute when Armand Lauriente drew the hosts level.
Kristian Thorstvedt spotted Lauriente free at the centre of the box and laid the pass to him.
The French left winger made no mistake as he blasted the ball into the top right corner.
The game remained level and it appeared both sides were going to share the spoils until Adam Marusic scored the decisive goal in stoppage time to give Lazio all three points.
Matteo Cancellieri delivered a pinpoint cross and Marusic rose highest to head the ball home.
Despite not recording a goal or an assist, Dele Bashiru’s impact in the game could not be undermined.
The Nigerian midfielder delivered an excellent performance in possession as all of his passes were accurate.
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He completed 45 of his attempted 45 passes, many of which were line breaking passes that helped Lazio progress the ball forward.
Defensively he also contributed with one tackle, eight ball recoveries and two completed duels.
The Nigerian midfielder will hope his impressive display earns him another starting opportunity from head coach Maurizio Sarri when Lazio take on AC Milan on Sunday, 15 March.
